Stuart's immense vitality sustained him for a moment. Pale, and
tottering in the saddle, he still surveyed the field, and called on the
men to rally.
"Go back," he exclaimed, "and do your duty, as I have done mine! And
our country will be safe!"[1]
[Footnote 1: His words.]
A moment afterward he called out again to the men passing him:--
"Go back! go back! I'd rather die than be whipped!"[1]
[Footnote 1: His words.]
The old lightning flashed from his eyes as he spoke. Then a mist passed
over them; his head sank upon his breast; and, still supported in the
saddle, he was led through the woods toward the Chickahominy.
Suddenly, Fitzhugh Lee, who had been stubbornly fighting on the right,
galloped up, and accosted Stuart. His face was flushed, his eyes moist.
"You are wounded!" he exclaimed.
"Badly," Stuart replied, "but look out, Fitz! Yonder they come!"
A glance showed all. In the midst of a wild uproar of clashing sabres,
quick shots, and resounding cries, the Federal cavalry were rushing
forward to overwhelm the disordered lines.
Stuart's eye flashed for the last time. Turning to General Fitzhugh
Lee, he exclaimed in a full, sonorous voice:--
"Go ahead, Fitz, old fellow! I know you will do what is right!"[1]
[Footnote 1: His words.]
This was the last order he ever gave upon the field.
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